| The OutRage! website seems to be closed definitively for unknown reasons. While doing my research, it was sometimes opperative but most of the time it was not in function. Maybe the work of hackers or simply a condition to the February 2005 deal reached within the dancehall industry and gay organisations. In any cases, this is the way the text originally appered on their webpage. |
|||
| Elephant Man in US hate lyrics row Outrage! News Service November 30, 2003 Original link for this article: LINK LONDON Gay human rights group OutRage! applauds the move by a top US University to cancel a performance by Jamaican dancehall artist Elephant Man whose hate-filled lyrics promote the murder of lesbian and gay people. Alfred University in New York called off the concert after concerned students who had read about OutRage!s campaign to seek Elephant Mans prosecution in the UK for incitement to violence and murder approached the administration with the information. The Student Activities Board voted to withdraw their support and the University authorities followed by calling off the event. In a statement (full text below) Jerry Brody, Vice President for Student Affairs said my decision was based on lyrics in some of his songs that advocate violent acts against others. He added that while Alfred University supports freedom of speech, I feel this performance would not represent an appropriate use of University funds and facilities. OutRage! spokesperson Brett Lock says that the group is pleased that these performers are being denied lucrative concert dates and platforms for their bigotry. He says We do not want to censor these artists. We believe they have the right to express their opinions on homosexuality. However, we do not feel that they should be rewarded and applauded for doing so. The right to free speech does not include the right not to be criticised for what you say or to be held accountable. The right to Free Speech does not include the right to incite the murder of other human beings. Hopefully, says Lock, other campuses in the US, the UK and around the world will follow suit and make a clear statement that homophobia and hate-speech is not a value they wish to promote. We congratulate Alfred University for talking a stand. FROM: Jerry Brody, Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students After consultation with President Edmondson, I am canceling the on-campus performance of Elephant Man. My decision was based on lyrics in some of his songs that advocate violent acts against others. We appreciate the willingness of the agent for Elephant Man to honor our request to cancel his performance, which had been scheduled for this Thursday evening in Davis Gym. While Alfred University supports freedom of speech, I feel this performance would not represent an appropriate use of University funds and facilities. Alfred University's position on this type of situation will remain consistent, regardless of what group of people is targeted for violence. Alfred University has been and remains committed to identifying and bringing to campus performers who reflect the various cultural backgrounds of our students. We are confident in our ability to do this without involving performers who advocate violence. The University has hosted four hip-hop/reggae performances; there will be a fifth show this academic year. Meetings were held Monday evening to discuss this matter and I am proud of the students from both Alfred State College and Alfred University for the respect they showed for each other. I am hoping that this will be a catalyst for an ongoing dialogue that will lead to a better understanding of each other and a more hospitable environment for all. Dan Neverett, Vice President of Student Affairs at Alfred State College, and I have faith and confidence that my decision will not result in retaliation against any group or individual on our campuses. We will, however, act swiftly and firmly should there be any attempts at retribution against others. Information regarding full ticket refunds will be emailed shortly to students on both campuses. Despite the cancellation, I would like to take this opportunity to thank students from the AU Student Activities Board, the Caribbean Students Association, Poder Latino and UMOJA for their hard work in organizing the event. Brody, Gerald D VP For Student Affairs/Dean Of Students Carnegie Hall Relevant Links: Alfred University |